(Newser)
–
More than 16 years after arguing that George W. Bush should add Cuba, Syria, and Libya to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea in the "Axis of Evil," John Bolton has coined a new term. In a policy speech at a conference in Miami, the national security adviser dubbed Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela the "Troika of Tyranny" in the western hemisphere, the Hill reports. "In Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, we see the perils of poisonous ideologies left unchecked, and the dangers of domination and suppression," Bolton said. He referred to the leaders of the three countries as the "Three Stooges of socialism," who are "true believers, but they worship a false god."

Bolton jabbed at the previous administration's policies, saying the Trump administration is concerned with "sanctions, not selfies." "Under this administration, we will no longer appease dictators and despots near our shores in this hemisphere," said Bolton. "We will not reward firing squads, torturers, and murderers." He praised the election of right-wing leaders in Latin America, including Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil. Bolton announced new sanctions on Venezuela and Cuba, including a ban on American citizens trading in Venezuelan gold, and said Nicaragua would "feel the full weight of America's robust sanctions" until it allows free and fair elections to take place, the Guardian reports. (A source says President Trump discussed an invasion of Venezuela last year.)

This from one of the architects of the disastrous Iraq War who joined the Maryland National Guard in 1970 to avoid service in Vietnam. Another chickenhawk tough guys who loves sending other people's kids into combat to die but avoided it like the plague when it was his turn.

AEK

Nov 2, 2018 3:04 PM CDT

So does that make North Korea, Russia, and Saudi Arabia a hierarchy of heroes or just paragons of peace and purity?

EFYOU

Nov 2, 2018 2:53 PM CDT

The GOP have swallowed so much Putin they're switching to speaking Russian now.